Assam's New Gun License Policy for Indigenous People Sparks Row

The Assam government today launched an online portal for indigenous communities and original inhabitants to apply for gun licenses. The policy is specifically for people who have lived in border or vulnerable areas for over three generations. Last May, the Assam Cabinet had decided to grant arms licenses to "original inhabitants or indigenous Indian citizens" in these regions. Opposition parties, including the Congress, heavily criticized the move, claiming it could lead to more fake encounters and extortion. They also alleged that the weapons could be misused to arm people aligned with the ruling BJP ahead of next year's crucial Assam polls. The government has stated that licenses would be granted after a proper, multi-layered scrutiny process. The Chief Minister explained that the policy is intended to give a sense of security to people in vulnerable, government-earmarked areas that are far from police stations. According to the new rules, individuals who are either notified by the district administration or assessed as vulnerable by authorized security agencies are eligible. The arms must be purchased by the individuals themselves. The Chief Minister added that eligible applicants must be from indigenous communities or be original inhabitants, be above 21 years of age, be mentally and physically stable, and have no criminal record, including pending cases or previous convictions.